ABT e-Line offers conversion of used VW T6.1 to battery drive!

Thomas Wachsmuth 26 January 2023 -> Cars from AZ, -> Tuner from AZ, ABT Sportsline GmbH, News vehicles, Volkswagen (VW)

Reading time 4 Min.

With T7 Multivan and ID. Buzz, Volkswagen has practically reinvented the VW bus for private customers and brought it even closer to the car. However, other priorities apply to crafts, trade and the like, which is why the T6.1 remains in the range. However, this can no longer be ordered as an e-transporter: After around 4.500 units were successfully mass-produced for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, this project was completed on schedule and the agreed volume was reached. In general, however, e-vehicles are becoming more and more interesting for companies - also with regard to possible driving bans for combustion engines in inner cities. Although there is the purely electrically powered ID. Buzz as a cargo variant, but if you are looking for maximum storage space or a flexible basis for special bodies, you cannot avoid the T6.1. And this is where the Allgäu experts for alternative drives come into play with an innovative idea: the conversion of existing vehicles battery electric drive. The price for the conversion kit is €19.900 net, installation and registration cost from €3.950 net (depending on the base vehicle).

VW T6.1 with battery drive

"This measure is not only particularly sustainable because there are significantly fewer CO₂ emissions than with a new building, but also has numerous advantages for customers," explains Eric Plekkepoel, CEO of ABT e-Line GmbH. In contrast to the ABT e-Transporter 6.1, which was only offered in certain body variants, almost all models can be converted: regardless of whether they have a long or short wheelbase, with or without a high roof, flatbed models or chassis with special bodies. The basic vehicle only has to be a diesel with a DSG gearbox. The key technical data correspond to those of the ABT e-Transporter 6.1. Its range is between 105 and 138 km (according to WLTP) - depending on the body and weight, this can vary slightly when converting.

This also applies to consumption, which was between 27,0 and 35,8 kWh/100 km for the complete vehicle, depending on the version. Thanks to the relatively compact battery with a capacity of 37,3 kWh (gross), vehicle usability remains unaffected. The peak power of the drive is 83 kW and the maximum torque is 200 Nm. In conjunction with the top speed limited to 90 km/h, optionally 120 km/h, this results in economical consumption. The complete charging time with a 7,2 kW wall box is around 5,5 hours, with a rapid charging station (CCS) with 50 kW this is possible to 45 percent in around 80 minutes. Servicing can be carried out at ABT e-Line or at one of 300 Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles service partners in Germany.

Conversion to electric drive in the event of engine damage

The conversion of vehicles with expensive conversions or bodies such as garbage trucks, tippers, refrigerated transporters or cherry pickers is particularly interesting. at VW T6.1who need a replacement engine anyway due to a defect, the decision to convert to an electric drive can also be an easy one. Or of course when the ID. Buzz Cargo is too small or not varied enough and other e-transporters fall through the cracks because they are not VWs. Since the delivery times for new electric vehicles are generally long and even more time is lost in the case of special bodies, there is another advantage of the ABT solution: the ability to deliver quickly. "We do the conversion in just a few days," says Plekkepoel: "If a suitable vehicle for the conversion is not available, the used market is an interesting option with quick availability."

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